Solar collector and conversion array

ABSTRACT

A solar array for collecting sunlight that is converted into electricity. The array includes an arrangement of solar collectors strategically positioned on a frame to maximize the amount of sunlight collected in relation to the size of the array. The collectors are plate like members with a reflective side and shaped so that sunlight collected by the reflective side is concentrated at a location away from the reflective side. The collectors are recumbently positioned in rows with their respective reflective sides directed away from the array frame. The collectors are spaced apart so that no collector casts shade on any part of another collector and substantially no sunlight between adjacent collectors.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of co-pending U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/249,226, filed Oct. 6, 2009, thefull disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates in general to a solar conversion systemthat collects and concentrates solar energy, then converts thecollected/concentrated energy into electricity. More specifically, thepresent disclosure includes a solar conversion system having an array ofsolar collectors open to ambient conditions, and arranged to maximizethe solar energy collected for the given area of the array.

2. Description of Prior Art

Solar collection systems that concentrate solar energy generally employa number of collectors; each having a reflective side configured tofocus the reflected light onto a solar conversion cell. Because thesolar energy is concentrated, the reflective surface area exceeds theconversion cell area by a significant amount. Solar collection andconversion systems often consolidate the collectors into a solar array,thereby boosting the electricity generating capacity of the conversionsystem. The collectors within an array are typically positioned within alocalized area to minimize the total area of the array. Reducing arraysize can also reduce the other components and material hat make up anarray, such as wiring, frame structures, and the like.

An example of a prior art array 30 is shown in a side perspective viewin FIG. 1 having a number of parabolic-shaped collectors 32. Eachcollector 32 typically has a concave and convex side and all with theirconcave sides facing forward. Generally, a reflective surface 34 isprovided on the concave side of each collectors 32. The collectors 32are shown mounted on their bottom edge 33 with their upper end 35inclined rearward to direct their concave sides at an angle betweenhorizontal and vertical. Solar energy is shown represented as sun rays36 that contact the reflective surface 34 and that typically arereflected away as reflected rays 37 towards a receiver 38. The concaveconfiguration of the reflective surface 34 is usually designed toconverge the reflected rays 37 so they are concentrated when reachingthe receiver 38. A solar conversion cell (not shown) is generallyprovided on the receiver 38 to receive and convert the concentratedreflected rays 37 into electricity. The array 30 is often within ahousing 40 having a cover 42 spanning the space above the array 30.Although the cover 42 may be transparent, some of the rays 36 from thesun reflect from the cover 42 and do not reach the reflective surfaces34 of the collectors 32.

An overhead plan view of a portion of the array 30 is shown in FIG. 1Arepresenting the perspective of the sun rays 36 (FIG. 1) when reachingthe array 30. The spacing between forward and rearward collectors 32,combined with the incline of each collector 32 from the bottom edge 33to the upper edge 35, casts a shadow on each rearward collector 32 alongits bottom edge 33 formed by the upper edge 35 on a correspondingforward collector 32. The shaded bottom edge 33 of each collector 32 isillustrated with a dashed line.

Another prior art example of a solar array 30A is illustrated in anoverhead view in FIG. 2. In this example, an arrangement of collectors32A are assembled where the outer periphery of each individual collector32A is hexagonal. The collectors 32A are bowl-like parabolic membershaving an upward facing concave side that is provided with a reflectivesurface 34A. A transparent cover 42A spans between the outer peripheryof each collector 32A that provides a mounting surface for a receiver38A. The receiver 38A is shown disposed above the midsection of thecollector 32A offset from its reflective surface 34A. When the solararray 30A is set in the path of sunlight, sun rays 36A contact thereflected surfaces 34A and reflect as reflected rays 37A. The reflectivesurfaces 34A are shaped to direct and concentrate the reflected rays 37Aat their respective receivers 38A. The presence of the receivers 38Aabove the collectors 32A shades at least a portion of the reflectivesurface 34A.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a solar array for collecting sunlight that isconverted into electricity. The array includes an arrangement of solarcollectors strategically positioned on a frame to maximize the amount ofsunlight collected in relation to the size of the array. The collectorsare plate like members with a reflective side and shaped so thatsunlight collected by the reflective side is concentrated at a locationaway from the reflective side. The collectors are recumbently positionedin rows with their respective reflective sides directed away from thearray frame. The collectors are spaced apart so that no collector castsshade on any part of another collector and substantially no sunlightbetween adjacent collectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the features and benefits of the present invention having beenstated, others will become apparent as the description proceeds whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a prior art solar array.

FIG. 1A is an overhead view of a portion of the solar array of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is an overhead view of a prior art solar array.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of example solar collectors andreceivers within a solar array in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of sun rays received and reflected bythe collectors of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an illustration in a perspective view of solar collectorsarranged in rows in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the solar collectors of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an overhead plan view of the solar collectors of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an end elevation view of the solar collectors of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an overhead plan view of an example of a solar array inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the solar array of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an end elevation view of the solar array of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the solar array of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is an overhead plan view of a portion of an alternativeembodiment of a solar array in accordance with the present disclosure

FIG. 14 is a schematic example of a solar array connected with a load inaccordance with the present disclosure.

It will be understood the improvement described herein is not limited tothe embodiments provided. On the contrary, the present disclosure isintended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, asmay be included within the spirit and scope of the improvement asdefined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of theinvention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theillustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. For the convenience inreferring to the accompanying figures, directional terms are used forreference and illustration only. For example, the directional terms suchas “upper”, “lower”, “above”, “below”, and the like are being used toillustrate a relational location.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exactdetails of construction, operation, exact materials, or embodimentsshown and described, as modifications and equivalents will be apparentto one skilled in the art. In the drawings and specification, there havebeen disclosed illustrative embodiments of the invention and, althoughspecific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptivesense only and not for the purpose of limitation.

Disclosed herein is a solar conversion system having an array of solarcollectors that are arranged to capture a maximum amount of solar energyfor a given surface area of the array. The collectors may bestrategically arranged within the array so that no collector ispositioned to shade any portion of another collector. Moreover, thecollectors can be shaped so that when arranged into the array, only aninsignificant amount of light passes between any two adjacentcollectors. FIG. 3 illustrates in a side perspective view a portion ofan example of a solar array 50. The array 50 shown includes plate-likecollectors 52, 54; each with a convex and concave side and having anupper edge 55 parallel to a lower edge 53 and with parallel lateraledges 57 on opposing sides of each collector 52, 54. The collectors 52,54 are mounted on a frame 56 and supported on their convex side. In theportion of the array 50 illustrated, collectors 52 are arranged in a row78 (see FIG. 7) with their concave sides facing the same direction.Collectors 54, which are substantially the same as collectors 52, arearranged in an adjacent row 79 (see FIG. 7) with their respectiveconcave sides facing the same direction, which is opposite the directionof the collectors 52.

The frame 56 includes girders 62 shown supporting the collectors 52, 54and each disposed along a line extending adjacent the lateral edge 57 ofeach collector 52, 54. The girders 62 illustrated in FIG. 3 aregenerally parallel to one another. The collectors 52, 54 rest on curvedcradles 58 contoured to match the concave side of each of the collectors52, 54. Each cradle 58 is supported by a leg 60 attached on the lower,forward end of each cradle 58 and another leg 61 attached about themidpoint of each cradle 58. The legs 61 are longer than legs 60, whichinclines the cradles 58 thereby recumbently positioning the collectors52, 54. The legs 60, 61 are anchored on their respective lower ends onthe elongated girders. Elongated channel members 64 are provided in thespace between the girders 62; the channel members 64 are positioned sotheir open portion is facing downward and away from the collectors 52,54.

As will be discussed in more detail below, the concave sides of each ofthe collectors 52, 54 have a reflective surface. Further illustrated inFIG. 3 are solar modules 66 that are associated with each collector 52,54. For the purposes of illustration, the embodiment of the module 66 ofFIG. 3 shown is not complete. The modules 66 include a solar cell 70 andare disposed at a location so that concentrated light reflected from thereflective surface of the collectors 52, 54 coincides with the surfaceof the solar cell 70. The module 66 includes an outer housing 68 forprotecting the cell 70 and its associated hardware (not shown). Heatpipes 74 depend from the housing 68 for transferring heat from the solarcell 70. The module 66 includes a planar base 72 on its side oppositethe corresponding collector 52, 54. The base 72 can be a metallic memberfor absorbing thermal energy from the solar cell 70 and may also includemounting means thereon. A slot 76 may optionally be provided in therearward facing surface of each module 66. Alternatively, fasteners 91for securing the modules 66 to the convex side of a collector 52, 54 maybe included and are shown projecting through to the concave side of acollector 54.

FIG. 4 schematically depicts the collectors 52, 54 collecting sun raysand reflecting the rays to a concentrated area that coincides with thesurface of an associated solar cell. As noted above, the collectors 52,54 each have a reflective surface on their concave sides that reflectssun rays 80 towards the associated solar module 66. The rays 82reflecting from collectors 52 in row 78 (FIG. 7) have at one point,matching elevation and lengthwise coordinates as rays 82 reflecting fromoppositely facing collectors 54 in row 79 (FIG. 7). These matching rays84 appear to intersect at this point. However, since the collectors 52,54 are in different rows 78, 79 (FIG. 7) set a lateral distance apart,there would be no intersection of these reflected rays 82.

Illustrated in a side perspective view in FIG. 5 are rows 78, 79 ofcollectors 52, 54 that make up part of an example of an array 50. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, the lateral edges 57 of each of the collectors52, 54 are substantially parallel. Thus in an embodiment of a solararray 50, the collectors 52, 54 may be disposed in adjacent rows so thatthe lateral edges 57 adjoin along a vertically oriented plane P₁ (FIG.7). FIG. 7 provides an overhead view of the rows 78, 79 of FIG. 5illustrating the plane P₁ extending along the lateral sides of eachcollector 52, 54 in the direction of the rows 78, 79. Aligning thelateral sides 57 of each row 78, 79 along the plane P₁ precludessunlight from passing between the adjacent rows 78, 79.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an example of the rows 78, 79 is shown in aside view illustrating the relative lengthwise positioning between thelower edge 53 of each collector and the upper edge 55 of the adjacentforward collector 52, 54 of the same row 78, 79. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6, a vertically oriented plane P₂ is positioned adjacent therespective terminal points of the upper and lower edges 55, 53 andaligned normal to plane P₁ (shown in phantom view). Strategicallypositioning each collector 52, 54 so that the lower and upper edges 53,55 terminate at plane P₂ prevents the upper edge 55 of a forwardcollector 52, 54 from shading the lower edge 53 a rearward collector 52,54 from vertically directed sunlight.

As noted above, an embodiment exists wherein the lower and upper edges53, 55 of the collectors 52, 54 are substantially parallel. Referringagain to FIG. 7, the lower and upper edges 53, 55 are depictedsubstantially coinciding with the plane P₂. Configuring and positioningthe collectors 52, 54 so their sequentially spaced lower and upper edges53, 55 terminate along plane P₂ can further maximize the solar energycollected by the collectors 52, 54. Moreover, setting plane P₂ (andedges 53, 55) orthogonal to the lateral edges 57 as shown, preventssunlight from skirting the collectors 52, 54 while no portion of acollector 52, 54 is shaded by another collector 52, 54. An end elevationview of the rows 78, 79 is provided in FIG. 8. In this example, thelateral edges 57 of collectors 52, 54 from adjacent rows 78, 79 arealigned with plane P₁ along their entire length. Plane P₂, shown inphantom view, is aligned normal to plane P₁.

FIG. 9 provides an overhead view of the array 50 where the collectors52, 54 are shown arranged in their respective rows 78, 79. Further thelateral edges 57 of the collectors 52, 54 are arranged along plane P₁and the collectors 52, 54 are spaced apart within each row 78, 79 sothat the lower and upper edges 53, 55 align with plane P₂. Accordingly,sunlight directed to the array 50 will not pass between adjacentcollectors 52, 54, but instead will be collected by the collectors 52,54 and reflected towards an associated solar module. Significantadvantages are realized by the solar array 50 capturing substantiallyall directed sunlight; such as maximizing the collected solar energy perarray area, thereby reducing the size of its frame 84 (FIG. 10).Additionally, reducing the spatial distance between collectors 52, 54,reduces the materials of construction.

Shown in side elevational view in FIG. 10, the array 50 includes aseries of sequentially arranged rows 78, 79 of collectors 52, 54 shownmounted on a frame 84. An upper end of a cylindrical monopole 86 couplesto the frame 84 proximate its mid section. The lower end of the monopole86 is shown (FIG. 12) anchored at grade. The frame 84 includes parallelarranged girders 88 (FIG. 11) coupled to one another with cross members89 that project through bores formed laterally through the girders 88.The cross members 89 are illustrated as cylindrical members, but canhave other cross sectional shapes as well. Cross beams 112 are attachedon the upper surface of the girders 88 and arranged substantiallyparallel to the cross members 89. The cross beams 112 add torsionalstrength to the frame 84 and provide a surface on which the frame 56 forthe collectors 52, 54 can be mounted. Shown depending downward frombelow the frame 84, is a pivot mechanism 90 for changing the pitch orattitude of the array 50 to compensate for the movement of the sun sothe array 50 continuously faces direct sunlight.

FIG. 11 illustrates in side elevation view an embodiment of the array 50and monopole 86 where the frame 84 and array 50 are substantiallyperpendicular to the monopole 86. A mounting base 104 is shown coupledbetween the frame 84 and monopole 86. The mounting base 104 is coaxialwith the monopole 86 and selectively rotatable about its axis A_(X). Aslew drive assembly 102 is shown affixed on the monopole 86 upper endthat includes a motor 103 and a worm gear (not shown) driven by themotor 103. Teeth on the worm gear mesh with the teeth of a gear (notshown) coaxially coupled to the mounting base 104. Activating the motor103 of the slew drive assembly 102 thus drives the gears to rotate themounting base 104 and attached frame 84 and array 50. Rotating, inaddition to pivoting the array 50, provides degrees of freedom thatenables orienting the array in direct sunlight throughout the day.

Still referring to FIG. 11, the ends of each of the girders 88 withinthe frame 84 are shown with one of the cross members 89 laterallyinserted through bores (not shown) formed in each of the girders 88. Thecross member is shown 89 projecting through the upper portions of planarframe hinge members 106. The hinge members 106 are shown dependingdownward from the cross member 89 and connected on their lower portionto an elongated cylindrical hinge rod 108. The hinge rod 108 extendsalong a line substantially perpendicular to the rows 78, 79 and isattached on the upper end of a wedge shaped wing brace 110. The wingbrace 110 projects laterally from opposing sides of the mounting base104 having an upper surface that is substantially perpendicular to theaxis A_(X) of the monopole 86. The wing brace 110 attaches along theouter surface of the mounting base 104 aligned with the axis A_(X) andits lower surface extends from the mounting base 104 at an angle obliqueto the axis A_(X) to the a terminal edge of the brace 110. In anembodiment, the cross beam 89 is rotatable within the hinge members 106thus allowing the array 50 to pivot about a line coaxially with thecross beam 89.

Referring back to FIG. 10, the pivot mechanism 90 is supported by abrace 98 at a location proximate its terminal end away from itsconnection to the mounting base 104. The pivot mechanism 90 includes anelongated tubular member 96 shown projecting downward from the brace 98with an enclosed gearbox 94 attached on a lower end of the tubularmember 96. A cylindrical motor 92 is also provided shown attached ontothe gearbox 94. A push rod 100 is coaxially inserted within thecylindrical member 96 and shown with its upper end projecting upwardfrom within the tubular 96 and through a bore (not shown) in the brace98. The upper end of the push rod 100 contacts the bottom surface of agirder 88 at a location away from the midpoint of the array 50. The sideview of FIG. 10 illustrates en example of the relative positioning ofthe motor 103, slew drive assembly 102, hinge members 106, and hinge rod108.

As shown in a perspective view in FIG. 12, manipulating the pivotmechanism in turn pivots the frame 84 about the cross beam 89 (FIG. 10)for controlling the pitch of the array 50. Controlling the pitch of thearray 50 combined with using the slew assembly 102 to affect rotationalpositioning of the array 50, can maintain orientation of the collectors52, 54 within the rows 78, 79 to maximize collection of solar energy. Ahelical member (not shown) may be included within the cylindrical member96 for converting rotational movement in the motor 92 and gearbox 94into linear motion of the push rod 100.

An advantage of the open air design include not only accessibility tocomponents in the array 50, but also the ability for natural and/orforced convection cooling. Another advantage is the open air design hasa reduced profile that decreases wind loads on the system. Moreover, asillustrated in the side view of FIG. 10, arranging the collectors 52, 54so their reflective sides are oppositely directed in successive rowscreates a more symmetric array when viewed from the side. The resultantforce from wind directed across a symmetrically arranged array 50 willbe located at or substantially adjacent the axis A_(X). Accordingly, asymmetric array 50 will be less likely to experience an unequal loaddistribution that could adversely affect rotating the array 50 or therate of rotating the array 50. Another advantage of the open air designis that the solar energy reflects from the collectors 52, 54 anddirectly contacts the cell 70 (FIGS. 3 and 4) without encounteringanother object. Unlike some of the other known solar systems, the openair design does not include a cover or lens, which irrespective of theirtransparency, do reflect some amount of solar energy thereby reducingefficiency. Without a cover the weight and cost of the present system isreduced. The system described herein also does not include a secondaryreflector, thereby increasing efficiency by up to 10% of the designdisclosed herein.

In one example of the embodiment of FIG. 12, the monopole 86 is mounteddirectly into the ground, which reduces the expense of installationwhere a hole has to built and a concrete footing poured. This also makesinstallations possible where soil conditions might make a conventionalsystem expensive and/or problematic. The surface mount also makes thearray 50 and associated hardware portable. It provides flexibility ofinstallation location if shade conditions change due to tree growth,additional construction, or other factors. Moreover, the array 50 andsystem can be relocated if the user relocates thereby providing anassurance the accumulated operational savings can eventually meet andsurpass the original capital cost. The array 50 and its associatedhardware is adaptable to a low profile roof mounting system, so that itcan be installed in residential markets in densely developed urbanareas.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a circuit 114 that includes the array50 coupled with a resistive load 118. Collectors 52, 54 are illustratedin the path of sun rays 80 that then reflect and direct reflected rays82 onto a solar cell 70. The solar cell 70 is schematically illustratedin the circuit 114 as a current source i_(L) in parallel with a diodei_(D). The output of the solar cell 70 for each collector 52, 54 isdistributed to a line 116 connected to the load 118. An optionalinverter 115 is shown in the circuit 114 for converting the electricityfrom direct current to alternating current. The inverter 115 can beincluded with each cell 70, groups of cells 70, or a single inverter 115for the entire array 50. In another alternative, the inverter 115regulates the current flow into the circuit 114, and when installed inassociation with each cell 70 or groups of cells 70, the inverter 115can manage power to the circuit 114 thereby increasing overallelectricity output. Providing multiple inverters 115, i.e. decentralizedinversion, also reduces the cost of wiring harnesses and reduces directcurrent transmission distances and hence line loss, further increasingoverall system efficiency. Decentralized inverter arrangement can allowfor detailed monitoring of system performance as well as system powerbalancing; which can increase system output by 5-25% over conventionalcentralized inverting. Example inverters include a 3.0 kW grid-tiedunit, a 3.0 kW battery tied unit and a 200 W grid-tied microinverterunit.

The load 118 can be any device that consumes electricity as well as anydevice for storing electricity. In one example of use, electricitygenerated by the array 50 and flowing to the line 116 is delivered to aresidence; in this embodiment the load 118 includes electricityconsuming devices within a household, such as lights, for refrigerationand/or heating, appliances, audio visual consumer electronics,processors, machines, communication devices, and the like. In anotherembodiment, more than one array 50 can connect to a circuit for poweringmultiple residences or an industrial facility. The slew drive 102 andpivot mechanism 90 can optionally be driven powered from electricitygenerated by the array 50, and thus can be considered as a part of theload 118. In yet another optional embodiment, at least a portion of theload 118 can be an entity that distributes electricity to electricalconsumers. An example entity is a utility company, which may be referredto herein as the “grid”.

Shown in overhead view in FIG. 13 is an example of an alternativeembodiment of an array 50A having rows 78A, 79A of oppositely facingcollectors 52A, 54A. In this example, the lateral edges 57A of thecollectors 52A, 54A are generally parallel to one another. Similar tothe array 50 of FIG. 10, the lateral edges 57A of adjacent rows 78A, 79Aare in line with a plane P_(1A). However, the upper edges 55A of thecollectors 52A, 54A are curved whereas the lower edges 53A are linear.The collectors 52A, 54A of each row 78A, 79A are spaced so that no partof a reflective surface on a collector 52A, 54A is shaded by anothercollector 52A, 54A.

A solar tracking system (not shown) may be used for controlling the slewdrive 102 and pivot mechanism 90 to position the array 50. The solartracking system can be above ground and employ an astronomical algorithmthat defines solar positioning for all latitudes and longitudesthroughout daylight hours. The tracking system can include a periodicfeedback mechanism to confirm that the that the collectors 52, 54 arefocused on the sun and thus give maximum power yield.

EXAMPLE

In a non limiting example, the array 50 is made up of sixteen 180 wattmodules, or rows 78, 79, are installed on a monopole 86 that is set intothe ground. Each row 78, 79 is formed from eight collectors 52, 54 andeight cells 70. This forms an array 50 that is 16 wide by 8 high array(approximately 10′ by 10′ in total size) with 2.88 KW in power output;which is comparable in size to most conventional photovoltaic systemswith power output at least double that of the unconcentrated systems.

The present invention described herein, therefore, is well adapted tocarry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned, aswell as others inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodimentof the invention has been given for purposes of disclosure, numerouschanges exist in the details of procedures for accomplishing the desiredresults. For example, array embodiments are not limited to the number ofcollectors/cells described above, but can include any number ofcollectors and/or cells depending the on application. Additionally, thearray can have different shapes, such as polygons, a curved periphery,rectangular, and non-standard shapes. Moreover, the size and shape ofthe collector can vary as well. These and other similar modificationswill readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and areintended to be encompassed within the spirit of the present inventiondisclosed herein and the scope of the appended claims. While theinvention has been shown in only one of its forms, it should be apparentto those skilled in the art that it is not so limited but is susceptibleto various changes without departing from the scope of the invention.

1. An solar conversion system comprising: a generally planar frame; aplurality of plate like solar collectors, each having a front side, areflective surface on the front side, a lower edge, an upper edge thatis substantially parallel to the lower edge, a left lateral edge, and aright lateral edge that is substantially parallel to the left lateraledge; a first row of the solar collectors recumbently supported on theframe and positioned so that each of their reflective sides face thesame direction, spaces between each solar collector of the first row sothat when solar energy is directed substantially perpendicular to theframe, no portion of a collector is shaded by another collector; asecond row of the solar collectors recumbently supported on the frameand positioned so that each of their reflective sides are facing in thesame direction; and spaces between each solar collector of the secondrow at a distance so that when solar energy is directed substantiallyperpendicular to the frame, no portion of a collector is shaded byanother collector.
 2. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the firstand second rows are adjacent and at least one of the left or rightlateral edges is aligned with a plane disposed substantiallyperpendicular to the frame.
 3. A system as defined in claim 2, whereinthe reflective surfaces of the collectors in the first and second rowsface the same direction.
 4. A system as defined in claim 2, wherein thereflective surfaces of the collectors in the first and second rows facethe opposite direction.
 5. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein thelower edge of a collector and upper edge of an adjacent collector in thesame row are aligned with a plane perpendicular to the frame.
 6. Asystem as defined in claim 1, further comprising additional rows ofcollectors arranged on the frame to form an array.
 7. A system asdefined in claim 1, wherein the reflective surfaces are contoured toreflect solar energy onto an area where it is concentrated, the systemfurther comprising solar cells disposed coincident to the area where thesolar energy is concentrated and an electrical load in electricalcommunication with the solar cells.
 8. A system as defined in claim 7,further comprising an inverter.
 9. A system as defined in claim 1,further comprising a pivoting connection coupled with the frameselectively moveable from a retracted position with the frame in asubstantially horizontal orientation to an extended position with theframe pivoted at angle up to about 90° from horizontal.
 10. A system asdefined in claim 1, further comprising a frame base coupled with theframe that is selectively rotatable.
 11. A system as defined in claim 1,further comprising a cylindrical monopole having an end anchored in theground and an opposite end coupled to the frame.
 12. A system as definedin claim 1, wherein the upper and lower edges are substantiallyperpendicular with the left and right lateral edges.
 13. A system asdefined in claim 1, further comprising solar cells associated with eachsolar collector, wherein the solar cells and solar collectors areuncovered and exposed to the ambient environment.
 14. A system asdefined in claim 1, wherein recumbent positioning of the solarcollectors directs the reflective surfaces at an angle above the frame.15. A method of converting solar energy to electricity comprising:providing a plurality of solar cells and a plurality of solarcollectors, each solar collector having a front side with a reflectivesurface, a lower edge, an upper edge, a left lateral edge, and a rightlateral edge; arranging the collectors into rows; orienting thecollectors so that the reflective surfaces of the collectors in each rowface in the same direction; organizing the rows so the lateral edges ofadjacent rows extend along a plane that is substantially parallel to therows, so that substantially all of the solar energy directed along theplane contacts the collectors; orienting the collectors in the rows andthe solar cells, so that solar energy that contacts one of thereflective surfaces is directed to one of the solar cells and convertedto electricity by the solar cell; and directing the electricityconverted by the solar cell to a load.
 16. The method of claims for 15,further comprising supporting the collectors in a recumbent position.17. The method of claims for 15, further comprising spacing thecollectors within each row so that no portion of a collector is within ashadow from another collector in the same TOW.
 18. The method of claimsfor 15, further comprising forming an array of using the collectors,tilting and rotating the collectors to maintain maximum collection ofsolar energy.
 19. A system for converting solar energy to electricitycomprising: a planar frame; recumbently oriented solar collectors, eachhaving a front side and a back side and arranged in front to back orderin rows that are adjacently disposed on the frame to define an array ofsolar collectors; a reflective surface on the front side of each of thecollectors; spaces between the collectors within each row strategicallyprovided so that when solar energy is provided perpendicular to theplanar frame, each collector is outside of a shaded area of anothercollector in the same row; and lateral edges on the collectors thatcoincide with planes that are substantially perpendicular to the frameand that are lateral and adjacent to each row.
 20. The system of claim19, further comprising solar cells provided on a side of the collectors.21. The system of claim 20, further comprising an electrical load inelectrical communication with the solar cells.
 22. The system of claim19, wherein the array is supported on a monopole.
 23. The system ofclaim 22, further comprising a pivoting mechanisms coupled between themonopole and the array.
 24. The system of claim 22, further comprising arotating mechanisms coupled between the monopole and the array.